A public consultation has been launched to try and find ways of improving the sustainability of west coast shellfish stocks.
The Outer Hebrides Inshore Fisheries Group (IFG) has approached Marine Scotland to legislate on management proposals it has developed for harvesting controls.
Landings of brown crab, velvet crab and lobster were worth more than £2.7million to the local economy in 2012.
The IFG’s proposals include increasing the minimum landing sizes of the shell fish and prohibiting the landing of larger female lobsters in the area.
IFGs are non-statutory bodies whose purpose is to help improve the management of Scotland’s inshore fisheries out to six nautical miles.
Members include Orkney Fisheries Association, Mallaig and North West Fishermen’s Association, the Scallop Association, Scottish Pelagic Fishermen’s Association and Scottish White Fish Producer’s Association.
One of the group’s key aims is to put commercial fishermen – assisted by government agencies and others with an interest in the marine environment – at the heart of developing initiatives for sustainable and profitable fisheries.
Western Isles Fishermen’s Association secretary Duncan MacInnes said: “We welcome Marine Scotland’s consultation paper which begins the implementation process in taking forward management measures that will promote stock sustainability.
“They will help to increase yield and spawning stock biomass for brown crab, velvet crab and lobster, which are the three most important species by value for the static gear fleet operating within the IFG area.
“Extensive consultation has already taken place amongst key stakeholders in developing a management plan for the Outer Hebrides IFG area.
“It will lead to more profitable, sustainable and well managed inshore fisheries for the benefit of fishermen, the market and the stocks.”
Fisheries Secretary Richard Lochhead said he was “delighted” to see fishing organisations come together and develop management proposals.
The eight week consultation closes on August 29 and all views and suggestions received will be analysed and fed into the decision making process.